Takumi series “Washi”. A superb Sofvi decorated by Yushima Art the “Sunago-shi”, a craftsman who decorates Washi, which is Japanese paper.

Sofvi items decorated by Yushima Art the “Sunago-shi”, a craftsman who decorates Washi paper, will be on sale from 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at T-BASE Ginza Gallery. We are pleased to introduce to you the following items!

What is Yushima Art?

Yushima Art is a company for “Sunago-shi”, a craftsman who uses real gold or silver foil to decorate “Washi” (Japanese paper). They are based in Yushima, Tokyo, and mainly work at the workshop in Kashiwa, Chiba prefecture. They are the third generation continued since the Meiji era, and are certified by the Ministry for Economy and Industry as traditional craftsmen in the field of crafts called “Edo Karakami”.

They value handwork, which is their origin, and are working on developing new designs and techniques based on decorating techniques such as gold or silver sand crafts on Washi paper that have been nurtured in the Edo period. Their recent works include gold or silver sand decoration on glass, Washi (Japanese paper) lampshades, and three-dimensional jigsaw puzzles.

About the item, Art Sofvi:

In the workshop, we faced each Sofvi one by one and asked ourselves, “What kind of character is this?”, “What does it want to become?” – We decorated it with the hope that a Sofvi “like nothing else in the world” would be born. Usually, for traditional techniques, we apply glue of natural material to bond the foil and sand onto Washi paper, but it was very difficult to do that with Sofvi. We surely did go through many trials and errors, but also enjoyed interacting with the characters as I faced their shapes and details. (I found out that my eldest son and his wife were fans of Sofvi! Sometimes I actually adopted their opinions.) Since I wanted everyone to feel free to enjoy the artwork, we also tried methods like using colorful sand decorations not only gold or silver, gluing thin Washi paper, using a technique called marbling, and even collaborating with Takumitsu Katayama (Katayama-Noren Dyeing Factory, Tokyo), a dyer. Through these many playful attempts, a variety of items have been completed. I would be happy if you would feel free to touch them, and sense the “unique taste and charm of handiwork”.

What are Edo Karakami and Sunago-shi?

“Karakami” is a paper decoration technique that originates in “Monkarakami”, which was introduced from the Song Dynasty of China. As domestic production began in the Heian period (794-1185), it began being used for Buddhist scriptures and writing papers for waka poems.

In the Muromachi period (1336-1573), the luxurious paper glowing gracefully with gold or silver foil and isinglass developed into “Fusuma paper” for “Shoin-style” sliding doors. Since it was imported from China, it is called “Karakami” (Kara means China), and was favored by the aristocrats of Kyoto and was incorporated into their indoor spaces, and inside the temples and shrines.

In the Edo period (1600-1868), as the center of politics and economy moved to Edo(today Tokyo), many craftsmen who followed the tradition of Karakami craftsmen moved to Edo from Kyoto and began to manufacture Fusuma-paper for the folk houses in Edo. “Edo Karakami” means “Karakami locally made in Edo”. While Kyoto Karakami was favored by court nobles and tea masters, Edo Karakami was favored by townspeople. It is said to have the easygoingness of folk culture, and consists of three decoration techniques: Karakami, Sarasa, and Sunago.

Introduction of Items:

■ Tenshi

Maker: OFUTON HEAVEN

Item Name: Tenshi, Tenshi Fukazume

Decorated by: Yushima Art

Techniques: “Very thin Washi-paper + Sand Craft + Coloring”

Shop Name: T-BASE Ginza Gallery

Price: JPY 36,000 (tax inc.) each

After “dyeing” → we decorated with sand crafts.
Mr. Katayama, a dyer in Arakawa-ku, Tokyo, applied slane dyeing and other techniques.

It has green eyes, and is an image of a gentle angel who brings good luck.

■BEN THE GHOST CAT

Maker: MAO

Item Name: BEN THE GHOST CAT (White, Deep Purple)

Decorated by: Yushima Art

Techniques: White: “Dyeing (Deep Purple) + Gold and Silver foil” , Deep Purple: “Very thin Washi-paper + Sand Craft + Coloring”

Price: JPY 38,000 (tax inc.)

It has green and gold eyes, and is an image of a playful and kind ghost.

■ DORAPOLYGON

Maker: nekorat

Item Name: DORAPOLYGON (Pale Green, Deep Purple)

Decorated by: Yushima Art

Techniques: Pale Green: “Dyeing (Pale Green) + Sand Craft + Coloring”, Deep Purple: “Dyeing (Deep Purple) + Sand Craft + Coloring”

Price: JPY 34,000 (tax inc.) each

One has green eyes and the other has red. It is an image of playful and mischievous small dragons.

■ RETRO ROBOT

Maker: TOUMA

Item Name: RETRO ROBOT

Decorated by: Yushima Art

Techniques: “Shichi-sai-baku”

Price: JPY 56,000 (tax inc.)

Used a rare foil called “Shichi-sai-baku”. It is an image of a warrior who has survived battles.

■ KNUCKLE BEAR

Maker: TOUMA

Item Name: KNUCKLE BEAR

Decorated by: Yushima Art

Techniques: “Shichi-sai-baku”

Price: JPY 47,000 (tax inc.)

Fine “foils” are attached to the back.

■ Cthulhuoid

Maker: Gyaromi

Item Name: Cthulhuoid

Decorated by: Yushima Art

Techniques: “Very thin Washi-paper + Marbling + Mica Powder + Foil Work + Coloring”

Price: JPY 57,000 (tax inc.)

It is an image of an “incredible” person who has both strength and kindness after full of life experiences. It is odd-eyed; red and blue eyes.

■ HOUND DRAGONS

Maker: TOUMA

Item Name: HOUND DRAGONS

Decorated by: Yushima Art

Techniques: “Very thin Washi-paper + Metal Foil / Very thin Washi-paper + Metal Foil / Dyeing (Pale Green) + Metal Foil”

Price: JPY 55,000 (tax inc.)

It is an image of three handsome brothers.

■poggy

Maker: Bite Morph

Item Name: poggy

Decorated by: Yushima Art

Techniques: Metal Foil, Sand Craft

Price: JPY 35,000 (tax inc.)

It is covered with golden color that brings good luck.

Gifts to purchasers: Decorative Stands (Washi paper art panels etc.)!

●Those who purchase a one-colored Art Sofvi will receive on a first-come, first-served basis; a decorative Japanese paper panel that can also be used as a Sofvi display stand.
Some of these items are originally paired with a Sofvi and a panel, or you can visit the gallery and choose a panel/decoration stand. Take a look at T-base Ginza Gallery!

■ T-BASE Ginza Gallery Shop Address:

1st floor, Bldg.1-B.,
Ginza 2nd ave., 2-7-7,
Ginza, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0061 Japan

In-Store: 12 p.m., Saturday, February 25, 2023